AN IMPERATIVE FOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: A CASE OF SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH EASTERN PART OF NIGERIA

The past two decades have seen growing interest in Knowledge Management and the use of Information and Communication Technology. However, it is not clear the nature of relationship that exists between ICT- Based KM and research outputs of University lecturers in Nigeria. This study provides a better understanding of that relationship. The study is anchored on Knowledge Gap Theory of Tichenor, Donohue and Olien (1970). Research question and hypothesis are formulated in line with the specific objective. The research adopts survey design. The study worked with sample size of three hundred and sixty eight (368) from the population of Four Thousand and five hundred and thirty five. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data at 0.05 level of significance. The finding shows that ICT – based KM significantly affects research outputs of lecturers. Based on the finding, the study recommends that Nigerian Universities should create strategic alliance with other International Universities, share best practices in research methodology, leadership commitment to ICT and continuous upgrading of ICT.